Los Alamos National Laboratory

RCT Undergraduate Student

What You Will Do

Radiological Control Technicians (RCTs) are an essential part of the Laboratory's workforce who help support the execution of a wide range of critical missions. All work at the Laboratory involving radioactive or radiation-generating materials and equipment requires direct involvement of trained and qualified RCTs for safe and compliant operations. RCTs are responsible for monitoring individuals and areas; planning and providing radioactive hazard control during moderate and high-hazard operations; and responding to off-normal and emergency events.

This is an Undergraduate Student (UGS) position at LANL. It is an opportunity to compete for placement into a program where you will be reimbursed for tuition and other educational fees while completing the Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) Radiation Control and Protection Associate's degree program. This educational program is designed to prepare students for junior level RCT positions within the DOE complex and at other nuclear industry facilities. In addition to covering tuition and fees, students are paid for hours while attending class and for hours dedicated to the completion of LANL security clearance application forms. Upon graduation, and contingent on meeting all LANL eligibility requirements, students will transition to full time LANL employment as a regular RCT 2 employee. The number of positions filled will be determined based on LANL needs and the availability of qualified student applicants.

Upon successful completion of the NNMC Radiation Control and Protection Associate's degree program, students will commit to Los Alamos National Laboratory employment as an RCT for no less than 2 years. Failure to fulfill this commitment shall result in repayment of all tuition and fees to LANL.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Depth perception, binocular vision, reading vision, ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 hz), standing, walking, using stairs, fixed ladders and ladders up to six feet, ability to lift 50 pounds and carry 35 pounds, and ability to wear respiratory protective equipment.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Must complete the LANL and NNMC application process in its entirety:
  • Online LANL application through the LANL website (IRC# to be communicated)
  • Upload most recent/applicable high school or college transcripts (if not already a current NNMC student)
  • 3.0 GPA (From high school or college ONLY if existing student);
  • Registration at NNMC as Full Time Student (must be a minimum of 12 credit hours, can be up to 18 credit hours);
  • Enrolled as majoring in Radiation Control and Protection at NNMC; and
  • Accuplacer Score of (ENG 5/Math; Algebra 41), ACT 16 and/or SAT (Math 370/Verbal 400).

Training/Certifications: Successful candidates will be expected to complete the Laboratory's RCT Qualification Program upon hire.

Education/Experience: Complete the AAS degree program in 2 consecutive years with a 3.0 GPA as determined by NNMC academic process.

Note to Applicants: Upon successful completion of the NNMC Radiation Control and Protection Associate's degree program, students will commit to Los Alamos National Laboratory employment as an RCT for no less than 2 years. Failure to fulfill this commitment shall result in repayment of all tuition and fees to LANL.

Location: This position will be physically located in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Where You Will Work

Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. Our generous benefits package includes:

  • PPO
  • or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

  • Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
  • Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
  • Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

  • Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
  • From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

  • Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
  • Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
  • Seniority level

    Not Applicable
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Education and Training
  • Industries

    Defense and Space Manufacturing and Research Services

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